Bird flu: Incoming flock worries experts

NEW DELHI: With winter setting in, thousands of migratory birds are flying into the capital each day. Wildlife experts, however, say extreme caution must be taken to ensure that H5 virus strains do not spread through the winged visitors.

Close to 400 local migratory birds arrived at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park on Monday. Authorities are closely monitoring the incoming species. A strict vigil is being maintained on ground to detect bird mortality, if any. Scientist-in-charge at the park, Dr Faiyaz Khudsar, said it’s important to keep a close eye on all bird species at this stage.“Exotic species will start coming soon, but a lot of local migratory birds are coming in right now from other states. It is important to constantly monitor them so that no deaths go unnoticed,” said Khudsar.

He claims the Yamuna Biodiversity Park has a functional wetland ecosystem, comprising three trophic levels—plants (producers), birds and fish (consumers) as well as decomposers. This ensures natural purification of water, preventing circulation of germs, virus and bacteria. On the other hand, artificial waterbodies may not have such an ecosystem, making them vulnerable to contamination.

Besides the Yamuna wetland, the Delhi zoo and Okhla sanctuary are also witnessing arrival of migratory birds. While Rosy Pelicans and common ducks are resident birds at the zoo, painted storks started arriving there from the first week of August itself. Results of an inquiry into the deaths of the 12 water birds at the zoo prompted veterinarians to speculate that the ‘pathogenic’ strains of the H5 virus might have been carried by local migratory birds.

A number of exotic species are also expected to arrive at the zoo soon. Dabchik, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Red Lapwing, Coot and Shovellers usually come to the zoo and the Okhla sanctuary for breeding purpose.

Ornithologists say caution must be maintained to check the spread of the virus strains. “There will be a mixing of bird flocks at biodiversity parks and sanctuaries and there is a chance of the virus spreading if precautions aren’t taken. So the government agencies need to keep a close eye at this stage,” said Asad R Rahmani, former director of the Bombay Natural History Society.

Birder Bikram Grewal has a slightly different take on the issue. He said while it’s not common for the migratory birds to carry the strains, precautions should to be taken. “More species will start arriving now. To ensure that other species don’t catch the virus, a close eye needs to be kept on all birding hotspots,” he added.

With immense pride “India Live” celebrated its 10th national conference in Mumbai from 28th February to 3rd March 2019. The conference turned out to be a gold mine of information, with emphasis on academics, education and exchange of knowledge with leaders in interventional cardiology from both India and abroad.